Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Name These U.S. States From an Outline in 7 Minutes?

Teresa McGlothlin

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About This Quiz

Do you know all of your U.S. states? Could you recognize and name them from an outline of their shapes? During this quiz, you will get the chance to prove your geography whiz status. If you can name all 40 of the states we present, you deserve a gold star!

With 50 states, the United States offers nearly every landscape you could imagine. From rolling plains to deserts to rugged, mountainous regions, each U.S. state has a different set of characteristics. However, all we are asking you to do is to identify the state from the outline we give you. We promise not to venture into any specific territories that might distract you.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a map to assist you, we think you'll stand a better shot at impressing yourself by using only your memory and your internal knowledge of U.S. geography. Never fear! If you get stuck, we have provided you with a hint that you can use anytime you feel like you need it.

How many states do you think you can identify? Set a goal for yourself, and start the quiz. We're quite confident that you will do better than you might think! Are you ready?

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Which state do you see here?

New York

Kentucky

Missouri

Texas

In 1845, Texas became the 28th state to enter the union. Often called the Lone Star State, Texas is the biggest state in the continental U.S.

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What is the name of this West Coast state?

California

Texas

Oklahoma

Oregon

On September 9, 1850, California officially became a U.S. state. One side completely borders the Pacific ocean, and the other borders majestic mountains and stunning deserts.

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What is the name of this state?

Illinois

Maine

California

Florida

Florida is more than just a state that entered into the union, it is actually a peninsula. It is surrounded by water on three sides and attracts visitors from all over the world.

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Which state's outline is seen here?

Alaska

Lousiana

Hawaii

Virginia

In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state to join the union. With beautiful beaches and tropical jungles, Hawaii's volcanic landscape is a worldwide tourist destination.

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What is the name of this southwestern state?

Arizona

Texas

Nevada

California

Arizona entered statehood in 1912. With a population of over seven million, Arizona is nicknamed the Grand Canyon State.

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What is this state called?

Nevada

Texas

Georgia

Oregon

Most famous for being a casino capital of the world, Nevada is home to cities like Reno and Las Vegas. It became a state on Halloween of 1864.

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What is this state named?

Louisiana

Florida

New York

Ohio

Since 1812, Louisiana has been a U.S. state. Along with shorelines and bayous, Louisiana is home to the popular tourist destination of New Orleans.

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What is the name of this Southeastern state?

Tennessee

Vermont

Colorado

Utah

Home to the world famous music city of Nashville, Tennessee entered the U.S. union in 1796. You can even find Elvis Presley's home if you venture down to Memphis.

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Which state do you think this might be?

Idaho

West Virginia

South Dakota

California

With a population of only 1.7 million, Idaho offers a lot for wilderness lovers. Set in the Rocky Mountains, Idaho entered statehood in 1890.

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What is the state that has this outline?

Hawaii

Rhode Island

Iowa

Alaska

As the 49th state in the union, Alaska offers the most unique landscape of all the U.S. states. With mountainous glaciers and unexplored wilderness, it is a favorite of survivalists.

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Can you name this state?

Michigan

Louisiana

Missouri

Arizona

Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes and it borders four of the seven Great Lakes. It is known for its auto manufacturing and musical wonders like Motown.

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Which state has this outline?

South Carolina

Oregon

Nevada

Florida

South Carolina is home to one of the East Coast's most beloved beaches - Myrtle Beach. It has been a member of the union since 1788.

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Which state do you see in this photo?

Massachusetts

Nevada

Michigan

Ohio

Massachusetts was one of the founding states, entering the union in 1788. Steeped in history, the state has a population of over six million. Visitors to Massachusetts can follow the path of Paul Revere's ride.

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Which state is this?

North Carolina

West Virginia

Washington

Alabama

In 1863, West Virginia became an official U.S. state. West Virginia is the only state that sits completely in the Appalachian Mountains.

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Which state's outline do you see here?

Indiana

Oklahoma

Montana

Utah

Nicknamed the Sooner State, Oklahoma entered statehood in 1907. As of 2017, it had a population of nearly four million Sooners.

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What is the name of this state?

New Hampshire

New York

Massachusetts

California

New York has been a member of the union since 1788. From New York City to Niagara Falls, New York has a lot of interesting destinations to offer.

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Which U.S. state do you see here?

Alabama

Kansas

Ohio

Oklahoma

The southern state of Alabama was inducted into the union in 1819. During the '60s, Alabama served as the headquarters for the Civil Rights Movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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What is this state's name?

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Maine

With a population of over 12 million, Pennsylvania boasts cities like Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Historical sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell make it a national treasure.

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What is the name of this corner state?

Oregon

Maine

Florida

Washington

Folks have been able to grab a great cup of coffee in Washington since it entered statehood in 1889. Also called the Evergreen State, Washington is home to over seven million residents.

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What is the name of this southern state?

Georgia

Florida

Alabama

Mississippi

In 1788, Georgia was the fourth state to enter the union. From stunning coastlines to fertile farm country, Georgia offers any lifestyle a new southerner might be seeking.

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Which northern state do you see?

Michigan

Oregon

Vermont

Maine

Situated along the Atlantic coastline, Maine's rugged cliffs are nothing short of stunning. Maine entered the union of states in 1820.

Which plains state is this?

On November 2, 1889, North Dakota was given official statehood. The name "Dakota" comes from a division of the Sioux. The state's capital is Bismarck.

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What is the name of this northwestern state?

Washington

Oregon

California

Oklahoma

In 1859, Oregon entered the U.S. as the 33rd state. Nicknamed the Beaver State, Oregon is home to over four million people.

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What is this state's name?

Oregon

South Dakota

Michigan

Montana

Montana is considered to be part of the Great Plains because of its location. However, it also highlights majestic mountain peaks and wide open landscapes that keep visitors coming back for more.

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What is the name of this state?

West Virginia

Ohio

Virginia

Kentucky

Nicknamed the Bluegrass State, Kentucky sits on the border of Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana. Kentucky entered statehood in 1792 and is famous for being the home of the Kentucky Derby.

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What is the name of this Atlantic state?

Maine

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Maryland

The state of Maryland made it official and joined the union in 1788. It's home to cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. Maryland's coastal location makes it famous for its crabs.

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What is this Midwestern state's name?

Iowa

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Also called the Hoosier State, Indiana has been a state since 1816. Although it is known for its car racing, the state flower is the unsuspecting peony.

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What is this state's name?

Iowa

Utah

Colorado

Montana

With the capital city of Des Moines, Iowa has a population of 3.14 million. Iowa entered the union in 1846 as the 29th state.

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